Satcom, India’s Game-Changer for Inclusivity

Satcom, India’s Game-Changer for Inclusivity

Why in News

India’s satellite communication (Satcom) sector is poised for a historic leap, with massive government initiatives, private investments, and space-tech breakthroughs reshaping the country’s connectivity landscape. The IN-SPACe/Industry Decadal Vision estimates that the Indian space economy will reach $44 billion by 2033, with Satcom contributing nearly $14.8 billion. By December 2025, India could witness a tidal wave of Satcom services from major global players such as Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, Reliance Jio-SES, Elon Musk’s Starlink, and Amazon’s Kuiper.

At a time when India’s digital divide still stands at 66% (TRAI, March 2025), Satcom offers a revolutionary opportunity to bridge this gap and achieve universal connectivity.

Introduction

India’s journey in the field of digital inclusion has always faced the challenge of reaching its most remote, rural, and difficult-to-access regions. Terrestrial networks have done an admirable job in urban and semi-urban areas, but there remain millions who lack stable and affordable connectivity. Here is where Satcom emerges as a force multiplier — capable of blending the reach of satellites with the capacity of terrestrial networks.

Unlike terrestrial mobile networks that depend on towers, spectrum auctions, and high-capacity urban zones, Satcom operates differently. It leverages Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and global spectrum coordination, making it possible to cover deserts, oceans, forests, mountains, and disaster-prone areas — places where mobile towers are impractical.

In essence, Satcom is not just another technology; it is the magic carpet of connectivity, designed to cover areas where traditional networks cannot reach.

Key Issues and Background

1. India’s Growing Satcom Ecosystem

   • The government’s proactive policies, including the Telecommunications Act 2023, have paved the way for Satcom to become a mainstream service.

   • Heavyweights such as OneWeb, Reliance Jio-SES, Starlink, and Amazon Kuiper are all gearing up to launch services by 2025.

   • The IN-SPACe roadmap targets an 8% share of the global Satcom market by 2033.

2. Spectrum Allocation Challenges

   • Satcom spectrum is globally coordinated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Geneva.

   • Most countries, including the US, Mexico, and Brazil, allocate it administratively. Attempts at auctioning Satcom spectrum have failed worldwide because the costs deter investors.

   • India must avoid excessively high spectrum pricing, as it risks choking investment and derailing inclusivity goals.

3. Digital Divide in India

   • Despite significant advances in Digital India initiatives, two-thirds of India’s population still lack reliable internet access.

   • Rural areas, mountainous terrains, and forested regions remain underserved, preventing millions from accessing education, healthcare, e-governance, and financial services.

Specific Impacts or Effects

1. Universal Connectivity
   Satcom can bring connectivity to the remotest corners of India — from the Himalayan villages to deep desert settlements. This ensures that no Indian is left behind in the digital revolution.

2. Disaster Management and Resilience
   During floods, earthquakes, and cyclones, terrestrial infrastructure often collapses. Satcom can serve as a lifeline technology, keeping communication intact during crises.

3. Economic Growth and Opportunities

   • By enabling internet access in rural areas, Satcom can boost digital literacy, e-commerce, telemedicine, online education, and fintech penetration.

   • New markets for IoT systems in agriculture, mining, energy, and logistics will emerge, driving productivity.

4. Defense and National Security
   Satcom has immense potential in defense communication, border security, and surveillance, especially in regions where terrestrial infrastructure is infeasible.

5. Synergy with Terrestrial Networks
   Satcom is not a competitor but a complement to terrestrial telecom. Together, they can ensure affordable and meaningful connectivity for all. This will grow the overall digital pie rather than cannibalize the existing telecom market.

Challenges and the Way Forward

1. High Upfront Investment

   • Building and launching satellite constellations require heavy capital. While costs have reduced compared to two decades ago, the investment remains steep.

   • Handsets and terminals compatible with Satcom are still pricier than traditional alternatives.

2. Policy and Regulatory Framework

   • The Indian government must ensure a cost-based pricing regime for Satcom spectrum (only 0.1–0.2% of revenue), avoiding profit-driven models.

   • Excessive regulatory burden could discourage private players.

3. Awareness and Adoption

   • Rural populations may be hesitant to adopt satellite-based services due to lack of awareness, affordability concerns, and the perception that Satcom is a “premium” service.

4. Technological Integration

   • Integrating Satcom with existing 4G/5G networks is essential to provide seamless connectivity.

   • Interoperability standards and infrastructure-sharing agreements between terrestrial telcos and Satcom operators are crucial.

5. Geopolitical and Security Concerns

   • Since Satcom relies on global constellations (Starlink, Kuiper), India must ensure data sovereignty and safeguard national security interests.

Conclusion

India stands at the cusp of a digital connectivity revolution. By 2025, with multiple Satcom players entering the market, India could see a dramatic narrowing of its digital divide. But success will depend on pragmatic policy choices: administrative spectrum allocation, fair pricing, public-private partnerships, and strong integration with terrestrial networks.

Satcom is not just about connectivity — it is about empowerment, inclusion, and opportunity. From e-learning in remote villages to disaster relief in flood-hit regions, from securing borders to powering agricultural IoT systems, Satcom holds the promise of transforming India’s future.

The technology is ready, the players are primed, and the demand is massive. If India seizes the opportunity, Satcom could truly become the game-changer for inclusivity.

5 Questions and Answers

Q1. What is the estimated contribution of Satcom to India’s space economy by 2033?
A1. Satcom is expected to contribute $14.8 billion out of India’s projected $44 billion space economy by 2033.

Q2. Why is administrative spectrum allocation preferred for Satcom instead of auctions?
A2. Because Satcom operates on globally coordinated shared spectrum, auctions often discourage investment and fail. Administrative allocation ensures affordability and inclusivity.

Q3. How can Satcom help during natural disasters?
A3. Satcom can provide uninterrupted communication when terrestrial infrastructure is destroyed by floods, earthquakes, or cyclones, acting as a lifeline for emergency response.

Q4. Will Satcom replace terrestrial telecom networks?
A4. No. Satcom is a complementary technology. Terrestrial networks excel in dense urban areas, while Satcom covers sparse, remote, and disaster-prone regions. Together, they can achieve universal connectivity.

Q5. What are the biggest challenges facing India’s Satcom adoption?
A5. The main challenges include high upfront investment, expensive user terminals, regulatory hurdles, awareness gaps, and security concerns related to global satellite constellations.